Systems and methods for providing a toy that incorporates illuminated components

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to toys, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a toy that incorporates illuminated components. In one embodiment, the toy includes a frame; an illumination source, the illumination source being proximately located relative to the frame, the illumination source being limited to a given wavelength of light; and an object, the object configurable to being removably disposable on the frame, the object being at least partially glowable in response to the illumination source. In one particular embodiment, the frame includes a base and a back member wherein the illumination source is coupled to the frame and configurable to illuminate any of the base and the back member.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/865,600 filed on Nov. 13, 2006 (Our Ref: MCBO-1-1001). The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toys, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a toy that incorporates illuminated components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although many would assume toys are a product of the modern era, toys have actually been in existence for quite a long time. Even those who have a sense for the lengthy history of toys would be surprised to learn just how long they have been around. Indeed, toys can be traced back through history to as early as 6000 B.C. when the predecessor of chess was invented. Surprisingly, roller skates can be dated as early as 1759 and dolls were first patented in 1840. Despite this history, few would dispute that in the recent years, toys have become more developed, more sophisticated, and more specific to meet the ever-changing needs of human entertainment. Children's toys, in particular, have accelerated from the rudimentary stone yo-yo of 1000 B.C. to encompass such diverse fields as board games, playing cards, video games, computer software, action figures, squirt guns, drivable cars, and many more. Not surprisingly, within each of these categories there are hundreds or even thousands of toy variations to select from. For instance, video games originate from multiple manufacturers such as Microsoft®, Nintendo®, and Sony® and each of these manufacturers provides different game types such as racing, multi-user, educational, sports, and many more.

Toy construction and building sets is one particular field where there has been no shortage of development. Toys in this category range from Lego® building blocks, PlayDough® moldable clays, construction model kits, action figures, doll houses, drawing boards, and many more. Despite the existence of such a wide array of construction and building toys, there has been a notable shortage of such toys that incorporate illuminated components. That is, most construction and building toys are oriented around the ability to physically manipulate components through stacking, connecting, molding, and moving rather than on the inclusion of illumination properties. There are but a few that even reference illumination including U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,556 to Morace, which teaches a set of movable beads that can be illuminated through the use of a back light. Also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,196,539 to Speers, 4,917,448 to Oppenheimer, and 5,391,105 to Jones each teach a variation of the Lite-Brite® concept where pegs are depressably re-arrangeable on a peg board to permit creation of two dimensional illuminated objects. And, U.S. Patent Publication 2006/0160462 to Schneck teaches a set of easily locatable building blocks that are responsive to a given wavelength of light.

The above cited references, along with the sparse few not mentioned, each fail to adequately address a number of elements that are needed in the art of construction and building sets that incorporate illumination. Thus, although desirable results have been achieved, there is room for improvement. The invention disclosed herein relates generally to toys, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a toy that incorporates illuminated components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toys, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a toy that incorporates illuminated components. In one embodiment, the toy includes a frame; an illumination source, the illumination source being proximately located relative to the frame, the illumination source being limited to a given wavelength of light; and an object, the object configurable to being removably disposable on the frame, the object being at least partially glowable in response to the illumination source. In one particular embodiment, the frame includes a base and a back member wherein the illumination source is coupled to the frame and configurable to illuminate any of the base and the back member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a toy that incorporates illuminated components, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a toy that incorporates illuminated components depicting an interchangeable foundation and backdrop, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a toy that incorporates illuminated components in a partially stowed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is rear perspective view of a toy that incorporates illuminated components; in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a sampling of various illuminated components, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of various foundations for use in a toy that incorporates illuminated components, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a toy with an illuminated display, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a process for sharing and collaboration for users of a toy that incorporates illuminated components, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates generally to toys, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a toy that incorporates illuminated components. Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-8 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, or may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a toy that incorporates illuminated components, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Toy 100 includes a base 104 hingedly coupled a back member 102. The base 104 further includes an illumination source 106, a foundation 114, and a storage compartment 110. The back member 102 further includes a back drop 112 removably coupled to the back member 102 by at least one clip 108. The toy 100 also includes a power source 116 to provide power to the illumination source 106.

As will be appreciated from the discussion to follow, these components cooperate to provide a toy that incorporates illumination in a novel manner. In one embodiment, the base 104 includes a space above the foundation 114 for creating various objects while the back drop 112 provides a space to enrich the background. The various objects and the background include material that is reactive or glows in response to light from the illumination source 106. Thus, spectacular scenes can be created that selectively utilize the glowable or reactive property of the objects and the background. One example is the scene illustrated here where the space ship post is not illuminated thereby giving the impression that the space ship is flying near the monster.

The base 104 and the back member 102 are composed of rigid plastic (e.g. molded or injection molded) to provide a frame for the toy 100. In alternative embodiments, the base 104 and the back member may be composed either partially or wholly from any of metal, wood, polymer, alloy, or any other rigid material. Further, although the base 104 and the back member 102 are depicted as two flat components hingedly coupled, many other embodiments are possible. These include an absence of either the base 104 or the back member 102, a relocation of the back member 102 relative to the base 104, or alternative shapes of either the base 104 or the back member 102. For instance, in one embodiment the base 104 and/or the back member 102 are cylindrical in shape. Additionally, other components in addition to the base 104 and the back member 102 may be added and/or multiple toys 100 can be coupled together.

The illumination source 106 is located along the front upper edge of the base 104 and is configured to project light in the direction of the back member 102. The illumination source 106 is configurable to emit a wavelength of light that produces a glow or reaction in a receiving object, although white light may conceivably be used. For instance, the illumination source 106 may be an ultraviolet LED, black light LED, fluorescent ultraviolet black light, incandescent ultraviolet black light, color dual cold cathode ultraviolet, or any other similar light source. In various embodiments, the illumination source 106 is alternatively located and shaped. For example, in one particular embodiment, the illumination source 106 is reduced in length, height, and/or width to a more focused light source. In yet another embodiment, the illumination source 106 is variably located on the base 104 or the back member 102. In still further embodiments, the illumination source 106 is a plurality of sources, each of which may be strategically positioned on the toy 100 to produce a desired lighting affect. In yet a further embodiment the illumination source 106 is contained within a movable mount so that a user can easily change the angle of illumination. In still further embodiments, the illumination source 106 is contained within mounts that are removably coupled to the toy 100, such as by a magnetic force or snap-type coupling.

The foundation 114 is removably coupled to the base 104 to provide a surface for molding, building, constructing, or otherwise creating two and three-dimensional objects, such as the space ship and the monster shown (not numbered). The foundation 114 extends almost the complete length and width of the base 104 to provide the greatest surface area for creations and resides in a slight depression in the base 104 upper so that the foundation 114 is flush with the edges of the base 104. Further, the foundation 114 is constructed from material that is at least partially transparent to permit light to pass through. In various embodiments, the foundation 114 is omitted and is instead simply an extension of the base 104. In an alternate embodiment, the foundation 114 is fixedly coupled to the base 104. In yet a further embodiment, the foundation 114 is of any shape either smaller or greater than the surface area of the base 104 upper. In still further embodiments, the foundation 114 is extended to at least one additional level or side extending away or up from the base 104. In another embodiment, the foundation 114 is coupled, either removably or fixedly, to the back member 102. In yet another embodiment, the foundation 114 is not directly coupled to the toy 100.

The storage compartment 110 comprises a drawer for receiving objects that is located within the base 104 and is accessible on a side of the base 104. The storage compartment 110 slidably moves between an open and a closed position (as shown), the open position being where the storage compartment 110 is slidably displaced from the base 104. The storage compartment 110 extends along the width and side of the base 104 to provide for maximum storage capacity. In alternative embodiments, the storage compartment 110 is omitted, not movable, or reduced in size relative the base 104. In other embodiments, the storage compartment 110 is accessible from elsewhere on the toy 100, such as along the front or back of the base 104 or from under the foundation 114. Alternatively, the storage compartment 110 is positioned within the back member 102. In still a further embodiment, the storage compartment 110 is simply a cavity and/or has dividing bins. In yet further embodiments, the storage compartment 110 includes a plurality of storage compartments.

The back drop 112 is a membrane removably coupled to the back member 102 by the at least one clip 108. The back drop 112 has paper-type qualities to provide for a writing or drawing surface and is configurable to receive stickers. In certain embodiments, the back drop 112 includes dry-erase type properties to permit reuse of the membrane. As shown, the back drop 112 extends nearly the width and height of the back member 102 so as to provide maximum surface area for creations. In various embodiments, the back drop 112 is omitted or is merely an extension of the back member 102. In other embodiments, the back drop 112 is either smaller or larger in relation to the back member 102. Further, in some embodiments a plurality of back drop 112 are employed. In still a further embodiments, the at least one clip 108 is re-located to other positions or omitted in favor of another fastener such adhesives or magnets. The power source 116 is any of alternating current, direct current, battery, solar, or any other power source.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a toy that incorporates illuminated components depicting an interchangeable foundation and back drop, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As discussed supra in reference to FIG. 1, the toy 100 includes the base 104 and the back member 102 hingedly coupled at the rear and bottom respectively. The illumination source 106 is located along the upper front edge of the base 104 and is configured to project light toward the back member 102. The foundation 114 is configurable to removably couple to the base 104 and reside within an internal cavity 202. The back drop 112 is configurable to removably couple to the back member 102 by way of the at least one clip 108.

The internal cavity 202 is a slight depression in the base 104 upper that extends much of the length and width of the base 104. The exterior surface of the internal cavity 202 is either made of reflective material or includes reflective material to reflect light that strikes the exterior surface. The foundation 114 is configurable to removably reside within the internal cavity 202 with a depth that provides for a flush surface relative to the non-depressed upper portions of the base 104. The foundation 114 is composed of at least partially transparent material to permit light to pass. Accordingly, when the foundation 114 is placed within the internal cavity 202, light from the illumination source 106 provides both direct illumination and indirect illumination from the reflective external surface of the internal cavity 202 to the space above the foundation 114. This feature enhances the illumination capabilities of the illumination source 106.

Both the foundation 114 and the back drop 112 are interchangeable and capable of being removably coupled to the toy 100. The interchangeability of the foundation 114 permits various types of foundations to be utilized in relation to the toy 100, including those having flat surfaces, protrusion type surfaces, dimple surfaces, or a combination of such surfaces. Further, the interchangeability of the foundation 114 permits various types or portions of transmissive material to be used, ranging from fully transparent to opaque or a combination of the same. Likewise, the interchangeability of the back drop 112 permits various types of back drops to be used in relation to the toy 100, including those that are pre-printed, have paper-like qualities, have dry erase characteristics, have surface extensions, or have a combination of the same.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a toy that incorporates illuminated components in a partially stowed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As described in reference to FIG. 1 supra, the toy 100 includes a base 104 hingedly coupled to the back member 102 by a hinge 302. The base 104 includes the illumination source 106 and the storage compartment 110. The storage compartment 110 includes a latch 304 to removably lock the storage compartment in a closed position. The back member 102 includes the at least one clip configurable to removably coupling the back drop 112 (FIG. 1).

The toy 100 is easily changeable between a usable position as illustrated in reference to FIG. 1 and a stowed position as illustrated here whereby the back member 102 collapses against the base 104. The hinge 302 is located on the upper rear of the base 104 and the lower portion of the back member 102 to facilitate the radial movement of the back member 102 in relation to the base 104. The illumination source 106 is pivotably coupled to the base 104 on its lateral ends to permit rotational displacement. Accordingly, when the toy 100 is in use, the illumination source 106 is rotated up to provide the desired illumination effect. When the toy 100 is in a stowed position, the illumination source 106 is rotated down in a manner whereby the back member 102 can fully collapse against the base 104. A locking mechanism is optionally employed on the edge of the back member 102 and the base 104 opposite the hinge 302 to prevent unintentional displacement of the back member 102 in relation to the base 104 when the toy 100 is in a stowed position. The latch 304 similarly prevents unintentional displacement of the storage compartment 110 when the storage compartment 110 is in a closed position (as shown).

In certain embodiments, a number of changes can be made to employ similar functionality of the toy 100. In one particular embodiment, the hinge 302 includes at least one additional hinge. Alternatively, the hinge 302 can be omitted in favor of a system whereby the back member 102 is rotationally coupled on its lateral ends to the base 104 or whereby the back member is snapped to the base 104. A slidable and/or foldable back member 102 relative to the base 104 is yet another conceived embodiment. In another particular embodiment, the illumination source 106 is alternatively repositionable. For instance, the illumination source 106 is slid between a usable and stowable position in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the illumination source 106 is a flange coupled to the base 104 upper whereby the back member 102 is shortened lengthwise to accommodate the illumination source 106 while in a stowed position. In yet a further embodiment, the illumination source 106 is either immovable or movable in such a way as not to break the plane of the base 104 upper. In yet further embodiments, the latch 304 is omitted or replaced with any other device configurable to perform a similar function.

FIG. 4 is rear perspective view of a toy that incorporates illuminated components; in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As discussed in reference to FIG. 1 supra, the toy 100 includes the base 104 hingedly coupled to the back member 102 on the rear and bottom respectively. The base 104 includes the illumination source 106 and the storage compartment 110. The illumination source 106 includes an internal channel 402 where a light source resides. The internal cavity 202 is a slight depression in the base 104 upper and has a reflective characteristic on its external surface. The power source 116 provides power to the toy 100.

The illumination source 106 is positioned along the front upper edge of the base 104 and is rotationally coupled to the base 104 on its lateral edges. The rotational coupling of the illumination source 106 provides for manipulation of illumination as desired and permits the back member 102 to fully collapse against the base 104 during storage. The internal channel 402 is a cavity in the illumination source 106 that extends along its length. The external surface of the internal channel 402 includes reflective material. Accordingly, a light source located within the internal channel 402 provides focused light that can be rotatably repositioned. In an alternate embodiment, the internal channel 402 is replaced with a plurality of cavities, each of which has a light source. In yet another embodiment, the internal channel 402 can be resized and/or reshaped. In a further embodiment, the reflective characteristic of the external surface of the internal channel 402 is omitted. In still another embodiment, the illumination source 106 does not have a cavity. In a further embodiment, the illumination source 106 is fixed or alternately positioned relative to the base 104.

FIG. 5 is a sampling of various illuminated components, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The toy 100 discussed in reference to FIGS. 1-4 provides a space to build, construct, adapt, use, or otherwise create two and three-dimensional components. The objects 500 are a few examples of such components; they include stickers 502, markers 504, blocks 506, moldable clay 508, action figures 510, and paints 512. Each of the objects 500 is at least partially glowable in response to receiving light from the illumination source 106. The glowable property is attributed to either fluorescent or phosphorescent reactive materials; fluorescent materials being those that glow while exposed to ultraviolet light and phosphorescent materials being those that store ultraviolet energy to glow for a period of time after exposure. Accordingly, any of the objects 500 can be used in connection with the toy 100 to construct fun and creative scenes that are at least partially glowable when exposed to the illumination source 106. For example, the stickers 502 can be placed on the back drop 112; the blocks 506 can be used to construct a building on the foundation 114; the markers 504 can be used to draw on the on the back drop 112; the paints 512 can be used to make streets on the foundation 114; the moldable clay 508 can be used to create street lamp posts on the foundation 114; and the action FIG. 510 can be used to create a monster plundering the building on the foundation 114. As can be appreciated, many combinations of the objects 500 can be implemented to create scenes that are limited only by one's imagination. Further, the objects 500 can be expanded to include any object capable of being perceived. In certain embodiments, the objects 500 include non-glowable components such as posts to assist in creating a perception of unsupported glowable objects.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of various foundations for use in a toy that incorporates illuminated components, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The foundation 114 as described in reference to FIG. 1 is a peg board 602, a flat board 604, or a dimple board 606. The foundation 114 is interchangeable with the base 104 and any of the peg board 602, the flat board 604, the dimple board 606, or a combination thereof may be utilized depending on a user's given needs. The peg board 602 is characterized by a series of periodic protrusions extending therefrom. The protrusions are configurable to snapping to or otherwise securing any of the objects 500, such as the blocks 506 (FIG. 5). In certain embodiments, the protrusions are uniform across the peg board 602 while in other embodiments the protrusions are irregular. Further, in one particular embodiment the protrusions are confined to certain areas of the peg bard 602. The flat board 604 provides a smooth surface, but in certain embodiments the flat board 604 has at least some portions having either protrusions or dimples. The dimple board 606 is characterized by a series of periodic impressions. The impressions are configurable to snapping to or otherwise securing any of the objects 500, such as the blocks 506 (FIG. 5). In certain embodiments, the impressions are uniform across the dimple board 606 while in other embodiments the impressions are irregular. Further, in one particular embodiment the impressions are confined to certain areas of the peg bard 602. The foundation 114 is interchangeable with the base 104 and either the peg board 602, the flat board 604, the dimple board 606, or a combination or plurality thereof may be utilized depending on a user's given needs. In one particular embodiment, the foundation 114 is extended to include three-dimensional structures.

In an alternate embodiment, the foundation 114 is configurable to conduct electricity so that objects coupled to the foundation 114 are able to illuminate or otherwise use the electrical power. In one particular embodiment, electricity is provided through individual dimples in the dimple board 606. Objects have a flange that is inserted into a dimple in the dimple board 606 to receive power. Accordingly, electrically powered lights, computers, clocks, and movable parts can be added to the foundation 114. In one particular embodiment, the electricity can be similarly provided to the back drop 112.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a toy with an illuminated display, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Toy 700 includes a frame 702, a support 708, an illumination source 704, and a display 706. The frame 702 holds an image in the display 706. The illumination source 704 provides a given wavelength of light for which at least a portion of the image in the display 706 is reactive to. The support 708 holds the frame 702 in a desired position.

The illumination source 704 may be an ultraviolet LED, black light LED, fluorescent ultraviolet black light, incandescent ultraviolet black light, color dual cold cathode ultraviolet, or any other similar light source, although white light is also conceivable. The illumination source 704 is located along the internal perimeter of the frame 702 and configured to illuminate the area of the display 706. In one particular embodiment, the illumination source 704 is alternatively located on, off, or behind the frame 702 and/or includes a plurality of illumination sources.

The image in the display is pre-printed or produced from objects such as markers, paints, pencils, pens, or stickers. In one particular embodiment, the image in the display is producible from fluorescent or phosphorescent print cartridges, which are usable in a standard printer. The objects are at least partially glowable in response to receiving light from the illumination source 704. The glowable property is attributed to either fluorescent or phosphorescent reactive materials; fluorescent materials being those that glow while exposed to ultraviolet light and phosphorescent materials being those that store ultraviolet energy to glow for a period of time after exposure. The image is configurable to being erased or being replaced. As can be appreciated, many combinations of the objects can be implemented to create scenes that are limited only by imagination.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a process for sharing and collaboration for users of a toy that incorporates illuminated components, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Process 800 includes the steps of creating and uploading templates at block 802 to a website at block 806; accessing at block 804 the website at block 806; viewing templates at block 808; viewing supplies at block 812; downloading or ordering at block 814; and implementing at block 816. In various embodiments, any of the steps in the process 800 may implemented apart from the other steps and or any of the steps in the process 800 may be combined with other steps. Further, in certain embodiments the process 800 includes additional steps.

The creating and uploading templates at block 802 includes a user developing a template, which is a record of a back drop 112 and/or an arrangement of objects 500 on a foundation 114, and uploading the template to the website 806. For example, a user can create a scene such as that depicted in FIG. 1 along a monster, space ship, and planetary back drop and deliver a picture, drawing, or other record of it to the website at block 806. In certain embodiments, the template can be mailed to the website 806. In a further embodiment, the website at block 806 includes professionally designed templates that are available to view and download. Thus, in one embodiment the website at block 806 serves as a repository for user created and professionally designed templates. In yet a further embodiment, the website at block 806 contains supplies for use with a toy 100 that may be purchased. The supplies are any of a new toy 100, replacement parts, replacement consumables, a foundation 114, a back drop 112, stickers 502, blocks 506, moldable clay 508, action figures 510, markers 504, or paints 512. Although the website 806 has been described in certain embodiments as being a repository with user created templates, professional templates, and supplies, fewer or greater components may be included on the website 806.

The accessing at block 804 includes a user viewing the website at block 806 and searching any of user created templates, professional templates, and/or supplies. The viewing a template at block 808 includes a user exploring either a user created template or a professional template in further detail. In certain embodiments, this involves viewing a picture of the template, a list of required supplies for the template, and instructions for creating the template. Accordingly, a user can use this information to enhance his/her own creations on a toy 100. The viewing supplies at block 812 includes a user exploring available supplies such as a new toy 100, replacement parts, replacement consumables, a foundation 114, a back drop 112, stickers 502, blocks 506, moldable clay 508, action figures 510, markers 504, or paints 512. Once a user has located templates and/or supplies of interest, the user can download or order the template and/or supply at block 814 and implement it in a toy 100 at block 816. The method 800 can return to block 802 and repeat, such as when a user has developed a new template and wishes to upload it to the website at block 806. The method 800 can return to block 804 and repeat, such as when a user needs more supplies.

In one particular embodiment, the method 800 includes chat rooms, email, user web pages, and other communication tools to permit users of a toy 100 to learn from and contact one another.

While preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. 

1. A toy for creating scenes that are illuminated, the toy comprising: a frame; an illumination source, the illumination source being proximately located relative to the frame, the illumination source being limited to a given wavelength of light; and an object, the object configurable to being removably disposable on the frame, the object being at least partially glowable in response to the illumination source.
 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: a base; and a back member, wherein the illumination source is coupled to the frame and configurable to illuminate any of the base and the back member.
 3. The toy of claim 2, wherein the frame further comprises: a reflective surface, the reflective surface being configurable to at least partially reflect light from the illumination source.
 4. The toy of claim 3, wherein the base and the back member are approximately rectangular and the base and the back member are hingedly coupled along a common edge to permit the back member to fold relative to the base.
 5. The toy of claim 4, wherein the illumination source is rotationally coupled to the base and configurable to provide light to the base and the back member.
 6. The toy of claim 5, wherein the reflective surface is on the base and configurable reflect light from the illumination source to an area between the illumination source and the back member.
 7. The toy of claim 6 further comprising: a back drop, the back drop configurable to being removably coupled to the back member, the back drop configurable to including a scene, the scene being at least partially glowable in response to the illumination source.
 8. The toy of claim 7 further comprising: a foundation, the foundation providing a surface for receiving the object, the foundation being at least partially transparent, and the foundation configurable to being removably coupled to the base above the reflective surface.
 9. The toy of claim 8, wherein the foundation is any of a peg board, a flat board, and a dimple board.
 10. The toy of claim 9, wherein the foundation is configurable to conduct electricity between the object and a power source.
 11. The toy of claim 10, wherein the object is any of a sticker, a block, clay, an action figure, paint, and ink.
 12. The toy of claim 11 further comprising: a storage receptacle.
 13. The toy of claim 12, wherein the frame further comprises: a clock, the clock comprising a display for indicating time.
 14. The toy of claim 13, wherein the frame further comprises: audio components, the audio components configurable to playing sound from any of a recording, electronic transmission, wave transmission, and user input.
 15. The toy of claim 14, wherein the frame further comprises: an audio interface, the audio interface configurable to receiving input from a portable audio electronic device.
 16. A software application for accessing resources, the software application comprising: an interface, the interface configurable to providing information to a user over a communications network; and a database, the database in electronic communication with the interface, the database configurable to storing and retrieving the information, wherein the information comprises a template, the template being a visual depiction of a toy, the toy including a frame; an illumination source, the illumination source being proximately located relative to the frame, the illumination source being limited to a given wavelength of light; and an object, the object configurable to being removably disposable on the frame, the object being at least partially glowable in response to the illumination source.
 17. The software application of claim 16, wherein the interface is further configurable to accepting a user-created template over the communications network for storage in the database.
 18. The software application of claim 17, wherein the interface is further configurable to permitting purchase of a supply, the supply being any of a replacement part, an additional object, and a consumable for the toy.
 19. The software application of claim 18, wherein the consumable for the toy includes a fluorescent print cartridge for creating a backdrop, the backdrop configurable to being removably coupled to the frame, the backdrop configurable to including a scene, the scene being at least partially glowable in response to the illumination source.
 20. A toy for creating scenes that are illuminated, the toy comprising: a frame, the frame having edges that define an internal cavity; an illumination source, the illumination source being coupled to the frame along the edges defining the internal cavity, the illumination source being limited to light of a given wavelength; a stand, the stand coupled to the frame for providing support; and e, the image configurable to being removably coupled to the frame and being positioned within the internal cavity, the image at least partially glowing in response to the light from the illumination source. 